About usNewsroom2012 Spirits sales up 2.9 percent for first four months of privatization
Spirits sales up 2.9 percent for first four months of privatization

OLYMPIA – Dec. 4., 2012 – Despite some serious stockpiling in May, spirits sales by volume were 2.9 percent higher during the first four months of privatization than they were a year earlier, the Washington State Department of Revenue reported today.

Nearly 13.6 million liters were sold from June through September 2012 compared to 13.2 million a year earlier when state liquor stores were in operation.

The average retail price of a liter of spirits, including taxes, was $24.09 in September, compared to $21.58 at state liquor stores a year earlier, an 11.6 percent increase. That equals a nearly $2 increase for a standard 750 ml bottle, to $18.07 from $16.19 last year.

The overall numbers mask a divergence between consumer purchases at retail stores and purchases by bars and restaurants. Consumers purchased 7.9 percent more spirits during this period while on-premise businesses bought 12.6 percent less.

On-premise purchasing presumably is down because businesses purchased substantially more liquor in May 2012, the last month state liquor stores were in operation, than they did a year ago. Bars and restaurants may still be working down their inventories, but higher prices, weaker demand and supply issues also may be factors.